Extension hair piece and hair extension using the device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a hair extension device. The device comprises a tube, a hair bundle and a link. The tube is configured to deform more easily in a first direction than in a second direction when the same amount of crimping force is applied to the tube. The first and second directions are on a cross-sectional plane, in which the tube&#39;s cross-section forms a closed loop. Further the tube may have a desirable crimping direction and be shaped to substantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tool toward a desirable orientation thereof for crimping in the desirable crimping direction. The hair bundle comprises a plurality of extension hair strands bound together. The link links the hair bundle to the tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/191,300, filed on Sep. 8, 2008, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thisapplication is related to application Ser. No. 11/850,017 filed Sep. 4,2007. Content of application Ser. No. 11/850,017 is included in theappendix of this application. This application incorporates all thecontent of application Ser. No. 11/850,017 in the appendix.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to hair extension, and more particularly,to an extension hair piece including a tube and a hair bundle connectedto the tube.

2. Discussion of Related Technology

Generally, the hair extension technology connects one or more extensionhair pieces to hair of a person or an animal. The extension hair piecesare to make the person/animal's hair look longer or thicker and/or addcolor accents to the person/animal's hair. The extension hair pieces forhair extension are in various forms and shapes, and include hair weaves,widgets, etc. In this field, typically beauticians or hair stylistsprovide services of connecting extension hair pieces to hair of theircustomers. The foregoing discussion in this section is to providegeneral background information, and does not constitute an admission ofprior art.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides a hair extension device, whichcomprises: a tube configured to deform more easily in a first directionthan in a second direction when the same amount of crimping force isapplied to the tube, wherein the first and second directions are on across-sectional plane, in which the tube's cross-section forms a closedloop; a hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strandsbound together; and a link linking the hair bundle to the tube.

In the foregoing device, the tube's cross-section may be in a shapewhich is generally an oval or a polygon. The first direction may beperpendicular to the second direction. The tube's cross-section may havea longest axis passing two opposing points of the tube that are thefarthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section may have ashortest axis passing two opposing points that are the shortest fromeach other. The link may be connected to the tube generally at a middlepoint of the tube in the longest axis. The link may contact one of thetwo opposing points that are the shortest from each other. The firstdirection may be parallel to the shortest axis. The link may comprise aportion within the tube, wherein the portion may be generally at amiddle point of the tube in the longest axis. The link may be glued tothe tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at themiddle point of the tube in the longest axis.

Still in the foregoing device, the link may be flexible such that thehair bundle can move independent of the tube. The link may comprise aflexible string tied to the tube. The device may further comprise anadditional hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strandsbound together. The tube may have a desirable crimping direction and isshaped to substantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tooltoward an orientation thereof for crimping in the desirable crimpingdirection.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of hair extension,which comprises: providing the foregoing device; inserting, into thetube, a plurality of hair strands of a person or animal; andsubsequently crimping the tube using a crimping tool in the firstdirection, thereby substantially flattening the tube.

In the foregoing method, the tube's cross-section may have a longestaxis passing two farthest opposing points of the tube that are thefarthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section has ashortest axis passing two shortest opposing points that are the shortestfrom each other. Crimping in the first direction my result in that thetwo farthest points become farther and that the two shortest pointsbecome shorter. The method may further comprise: grabbing the tube usingthe crimping tool, in which the crimping tool contacts two grabbingpoints that defines the second direction; and prior to crimping,changing the grabbing points to two opposing points of the tube thatdefines the first direction. The link may comprise a portion within thetube, wherein the portion may be generally at a middle point of the tubein the longest axis, wherein the portion may stay generally at themiddle point in the longest axis after crimping. The link may be gluedto the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at themiddle point of the tube in the longest axis. The tube's cross-sectionmay be in a shape which is generally an oval or a polygon. The link maybe flexible such that the hair bundle can move independent of the tube.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a hair extension device,which comprises: a tube having a desirable crimping direction and beingshaped to substantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tooltoward a desirable orientation thereof for crimping in the desirablecrimping direction; a hair bundle comprising a plurality of extensionhair strands bound together; and a link linking the hair bundle to thetube.

In the foregoing device, the desirable crimping direction may be definedby two opposing points of the tube that are the shortest from eachother. Grabbing the tube with the crimping tool between the two opposingpoints may be more stable than grabbing the tube between other points ofthe tube. The tube may have generally an oval or polygonalcross-sectional shape. The tube may have a cross-sectional shape with alongest axis and a shortest axis, wherein the longest axis may pass twoopposing points of the tube that are the farthest from each other,wherein the shortest axis may pass two opposing points that are theshortest from each other. The link may be connected to the tubegenerally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis. The linkmay contact one of the two opposing points that are the shortest fromeach other. The link may comprise a portion within the tube, wherein theportion may be generally at a middle point of the tube in the longestaxis. The link may be glued to the tube such that the portion within thetube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longestaxis.

Still in the foregoing device, the link may be flexible such that thehair bundle can move independent of the tube. The link may comprise aflexible string tied to the tube. The device may further comprise anadditional hair bundle comprising a plurality of extension hair strandsbound together.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of hair extension,which comprises: providing the foregoing device; inserting, into thetube, a plurality of hair strands of a person or animal; andsubsequently crimping the tube using a crimping tool in the desirablecrimping direction, thereby substantially flattening the tube.

The foregoing may further comprise: grabbing the tube in a firstorientation relative to the crimping tool other than the desirableorientation; and subsequently regrabbing the tube in a secondorientation that is closer to the desirable orientation than the firstorientation. In the foregoing method, crimping of the tube in the firstorientation may require more force than crimping of the tube in thesecond orientation. The tube's cross-section may have a longest axispassing two farthest opposing points of the tube that are the farthestfrom each other, wherein the tube's cross-section may have a shortestaxis passing two shortest opposing points that are the shortest fromeach other. Crimping in the first direction my result in that the twofarthest points become farther and that the two shortest points becomeshorter. The link may comprise a portion within the tube, wherein theportion is generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis,wherein the portion stays generally at the middle point in the longestaxis after crimping. The link may be glued to the tube such that theportion within the tube stays generally at the middle point of the tubein the longest axis. The tube's cross-section may be in a shape which isgenerally an oval or a polygon. The link may be flexible such that thehair bundle can move independent of the tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates hair extension according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an extension hair piece according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a hair extension process according toone embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are sectional and side elevation views of a tube of theextension hair piece shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F are sectional views of various tubes accordingto other embodiments.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate orientations for crimping the tube ofFIG. 4A according to embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates one embodiment of making the extension hairpiece of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6C is a flowchart of making the extension hair piece as illustratedin FIGS. 6A and 6B.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of engagement between aperson's hair strands and the extension hair piece of FIG. 2 accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 7C illustrates a sectional view of the extension hair piece of FIG.2 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of a tube according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A and 9B illustrate extension hair pieces accordingto other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will be described in detail below. The accompanying drawingswill be used for describing embodiments. For the sake of convenience ofillustrating embodiments, thickness, length, diameter, size and otherdimensions of components and/or hair would be illustrated or exaggeratedto be different with those of actual components and/or hair, and thesubject matter of this application is not limited to the illustratedembodiments.

Hair Extension Piece

FIG. 1 depicts hair extension using an extension hair piece 10 accordingto one embodiment. Hair extension with the extension hair piece 10 makeshair 12 of the person 14 look longer and/or thicker. In the illustratedembodiment, the extension hair piece 10 is connected to hair 12 of aperson 14. Although this disclosure is made only in the context ofextending hair of a human, the same can be applied to animals. Referringto FIG. 2, the extension hair piece 10 includes a hair bundle 22 and atube 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair bundle 22 includes aplurality of extension hair strands 32 bound together at a tip portion34. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 20 is connected to the hairbundle 22 via a link 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the link 24includes two flexible cords or strings, which are tied with the tube 20.Tying of the cords with the tube 20 and thereby forming the link 24 willbe discussed in more detail later.

Connecting Hair Extension Piece

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a hair extension process using the hair extensionpiece 10 in accordance with one embodiment. First, as in FIG. 3A, a hairbeautician stylist selects from a person's hair 12 a plurality of hairstrands 16 that are to be used in connecting the hair extension piece10. Then the hair strands 16 are inserted into the tube 20 of the hairextension piece 10 so that the hair strands 16 pass through the tube 20as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Optionally, the hair beautician may use adevice 154 that makes the insertion easy, which is well known in thehair extension industry and practice. Subsequently, the location of thetube 20 is adjusted relative to the scalp of the person 14. Afterward,the hair beautician crimps and flattens the tube 20 using a crimpingtool 165, which is well known in the hair extension industry andpractice. FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tube 20,hair strands 16 and cords that provide the link 24, along with thecrimping tool 165. FIG. 3D illustrates completed hair extension usingthe foregoing technique and hair extension piece 10 in accordance withan embodiment.

Hair Extension Bundle

Referring back to FIG. 2, the extension hair strands 32 are boundtogether at the tip portion 34 using a glue or adhesive such as apolyurethane resin. In other embodiments, the extension hair strands 32are clipped together at the tip 34, using a clipping device (not shown),which skilled artisan would well appreciate. In the illustratedembodiment, the tip portion 34 where the extension hair strands 32 arebound together is wrapped with a wrapping material such as a paper orplastic tape and individual strands 32 are not shown in the tip portion34, although not limited thereto.

In embodiments, the extension hair strands 32 are natural human hair oranimal hair. Typically, natural human hair or animal hair areprocessed/or dyed to be bound to produce the hair bundle 22. In otherembodiments, the extension hair strands 32 are synthetic artificialones. The extension hair strands 32 are dyed or colored to create colorsof natural human hair or color accents. In embodiments, the length andthickness of the extension hair strands may vary.

Oval Shape of Tube

As noted above, the tube 20 connects between the person's hair 12 andthe hair bundle 32. Referring to FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B, the tube 20 definesa hollow space 26. FIG. 4A illustrates a shape of the tube on across-sectional plane taken along line 4A in FIG. 4B, in which thetube's cross-section forms a closed loop. In the illustrated embodiment,the closed loop of the tube 20 is generally in an oval or ellipticalshape and smoothly curved generally throughout. Further, the length L2in the axis X is substantially larger than the length L1 in the axis Y.In FIG. 4B, the height of the tube 20 in axis Z is smaller than thelength L2 in the axis X, although not necessary nor limited thereto.

FIGS. 4C-4F illustrate, not limiting, sectional shapes of tubesaccording to other embodiments. Each illustrated tube 50, 56, 61 and 62is substantially longer in the X axis than in the Y axis like the tube20 of FIG. 4A. The tube 50 of FIG. 4C has a generally track shape, inwhich two linear portions 54 are combined with two half circled endportions 52. The tube 56 of FIG. 4D is generally oval or elliptical likethe tube 20 of FIG. 4A except that the two ends 58 in the X axis arepointed. The tube 61 of FIG. 4E has a pear or egg shaped section. Thetube 62 of FIG. 4F has a diamond or rhombus shape that is composed offour substantially straight sections connected to form a closed loop.

Anisotropic Deformability of Tube

The configurations of the illustrated tubes 20, 50, 56, 61 and 62provide anisotropic deformability. Specifically, the tubes aredeformable more easily when a crimping force is applied in one directionthan when the same crimping force is applied in another direction on asectional plane as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F. More specifically, thetubes are deformable more easily when a crimping force is applied in afirst direction than when the same crimping force is applied in anotherdirection perpendicular to the first direction on a sectional plane asshown in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F.

For example, the tube 20 is shaped or configured to deform more easilywhen a crimping force is applied between two diagonally opposing points25 along the Y axis than when the same amount of crimping force isapplied between two diagonally opposing points 27 along the X axis. Inother words, it would take a smaller amount of crimping force to deformthe tube 20 in the Y axis than to deform the tube 20 in the X axis. Inthe configuration of the oval tube 20, it appears that deforming thetube 20 by applying crimping force between the two points 25 would besubstantially easier than by applying crimping force between any twodiagonally opposing points of the tube 20 on the illustrated sectionalplane, i.e., the plane of the drawing sheet.

Likewise, the tubes 50, 56, 61 and 62 are shaped or configured to deformmore easily when a crimping force is applied to the tubes along the Yaxis than when the same amount of crimping force is applied along the Xaxis. Thus, it would take a smaller amount of crimping force to deformeach tube 50, 56, 61 and 62 in the Y axis than to deform the same tubein the X axis. Also, with some exceptions, deforming the tubes byapplying crimping force between the two nearest diagonally opposingpoints would be easier than by applying crimping force between any othertwo diagonally opposing points on the tube 20.

Although not illustrated, there are numerous other sectional shapesproviding similar anisotropic deformability to substitute the tubes 20,50, 56, 61 and 62. In some embodiments, in order to provide anisotropicdeformability the sectional shape of the tubes is configured such thatthe length in one direction (in the X axis) is substantially greaterthan the length in another direction perpendicular to the one direction(in the Y axis). For example, the length in the X axis is greater thanthe length in the Y axis by more than about 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, 150%, 160%, 170%, 180%,190%, 200%, 210%, 220%, 230%, 240%, 250%, 260%, 270%, 280%, 290%, 300%,310%, 320%, 330%, 340%, 350%, 360%, 370%, 380%, 390% or 400% of thelength of the tube in the Y axis. In some embodiments, these sectionalshapes are smoothly contoured or curved throughout. In otherembodiments, the sectional shapes may include at least one pointedportion. Also, in some embodiments, the sectional shapes may include atleast one straight portion.

Inducing Crimping Orientation

The tubes according to embodiments are shaped or configured to induceapplication of crimping force to one or more particular orientationswhen attempting to crimp the tubes with a crimping tool. FIGS. 5A-5Cillustrate various orientations of the tube 20 relative to a crimpingtool 65, and hence various orientations of crimping force application.The orientation of FIG. 5A is preferred or desirable, in which theblades of the crimping tool 65 contact about the two diagonally opposingpoints 25 on the wall of the tube 20.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the blades of the crimping tool 65 contact thetube 20 about the two diagonally opposing points 27. The orientation ofFIG. 5B is less desirable than the orientation of FIG. 5A to hairbeauticians or stylists in their hair extension service context.Typically, hair beauticians and stylists prefer speedy and easy handlingof the crimping tool 65 in their hair extension process. However, thisorientation of FIG. 5B requires substantially a lot more crimping forcewhen compared to the orientation of FIG. 5A. Also, this orientation ofFIG. 5B requires opening of the crimping tool 65 almost to their maximumto grab the tube 20 as shown. Further, it would be more difficult tograb the tube 20 in the orientation shown in FIG. 5B than in theorientation shown in FIG. 5A as more contact can be made in theorientation of FIG. 5A than the other. At least for these reasons, hairbeauticians and stylists are induced to grab the tube 20 as in theorientation of FIG. 5A or similar orientations.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the blades of the crimping tool 65 contact thetube 20 about two points 298 that are located between the point 25 andthe point 27. The orientation of FIG. 5C is less desirable than theorientation of FIG. 5A for the same reasons as discussed in connectionwith the orientation of FIG. 5B. Therefore, hair beauticians andstylists are induced to change the tube 20 toward the orientation ofFIG. 5A if the tube 20 is first grabbed in an orientation as in FIG. 5C.Further, when grabbing the tube 20 in an orientation like FIG. 5C, thetube 20 may turn its orientation to the orientation of FIG. 5A ascrimping force is applied to the tube 20. Therefore, self-inducement ofthe orientation can occur in the process of crimping the tube 20.

Although inducement of crimping orientation is discussed only in termsof the tube 20, the same can apply to the other illustrated tubes 50,56, 61 and 62. Further, although not illustrated, there are numerousother shapes of tubes that provide similar inducement of crimping orgrabbing orientation. In some embodiments, in order to provideinducement for a desired orientation the sectional shape of the tubes isconfigured such that the length in one direction (e.g., in the X axis)is substantially greater than the length in another directionperpendicular to the one direction (in the Y axis) on a sectional planeas shown in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F. For example, the length in the X axis isgreater than the length in the Y axis by more than about 20%, 30%, 40%,50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, 150%, 160%, 170%,180%, 190%, 200%, 210%, 220%, 230%, 240%, 250%, 260%, 270%, 280%, 290%,300%, 310%, 320%, 330%, 340%, 350%, 360%, 370%, 380%, 390% or 400% ofthe length of the tube in the Y axis.

In some embodiments, surfaces of the tube 20 where a contact of thecrimping tool 65 is desired or preferred are smoothly contoured orcurved, or substantially flat to provide easy and stable grabbing andcrimping when the crimping tool 65 contacts the surfaces. For example,the portions of tubes corresponding to the area near the point 25 of thetube 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A are smoothly contoured or substantiallyflat. In some embodiments, surfaces of the tube 20 where a contact ofthe crimping tool 65 is not preferable or desirable may be pointed orinclude bumps or other structures that could hinder stable grabbing orcrimping with the crimping tool 65. For example, the portions of tubescorresponding to the area near the point 27 of the tube 20 of FIGS. 3and 5A are pointed.

Making Tubes

In embodiments, the tubes for the extension hair piece 10 are made ofsuch materials that are sufficiently deformable when crimping with atypical hair beautician's crimping tool as well recognized by skilledartisans. Further, in embodiments, the tubes are made of such materialsthat can sustain the deformed configuration afterward when no similarforce is applied thereto using a typical hair beautician's crimpingtool. In embodiments, the tubes including those illustrated are made ofa metallic material, such as steel, copper, aluminum, tin or alloysalthough not limited thereto. In other embodiments, certain syntheticmaterials including plastic materials can be used in the tubes, althoughnot all metallic and plastic materials have needed characteristics forthe tubes. However, skilled artisan in the relevant technology wouldappreciate various characteristics of materials and would be able tochoose proper materials.

The tubes are manufactured in such thicknesses that their shape can bedeformed when a crimping force is applied using the crimping tool 65typically used by hair beauticians and stylists. Also, the tubes aremanufactured in such thicknesses that, once deformed, their deformedconfigurations can be sustained. The thickness of the tubes may varydepending upon choice of the materials again to provide proper level ofdeformability and structural sustainability. In some embodiments, tubeshave a substantially uniform thickness throughout although not limitedthereto. In other embodiments, a single tube has substantially differentthicknesses at its different locations thereof. Skilled artisan in therelevant technology would be able to choose proper thicknesses in viewof the choice of materials.

Typically, the tubes are produced using metal or plastic extrusiontechnology although not limited thereto. Although the production methodand technology are not discussed in detail, skilled artisans in therelevant art would appreciate technology and adopt proper technology asadvancements arrive given parameters of the tubes.

Linking of Hair Bundle and Tube

Referring back to FIG. 2, the link 24 flexibly links between the tube 20and the hair bundle 22 to provide the extension hair piece 10. In theillustrated embodiment, more specifically, the link 24 is tied with thetube 20 and fixed to the tip portion 34 of the hair bundle 22. Now, oneembodiment of making the extension hair piece 10 is discussed withreference to FIGS. 6A-6C.

In step 51, a flexible string 76 is folded in half. In step 53, two ends72 or the folded middle 74 of the string 76 is inserted through the tube20 as shown in FIG. 6A. Subsequently in step 55, the two ends 72 of thestring 76 are inserted through a space 82 defined by the folded middleportion and the tube 20. Then in step 57, the free end 72 is pulledaway, and the string 76 becomes tied with the tube 20. Afterward in step59, the ends 72 of the string 76 are integrated with the tip portion 34of the hair bundle 22 using an appropriate method. In one embodiment,the two ends 72 are bonded to the tip portion using an appropriateadhesive or glue. Then a portion of the string 76 interposed between thetube 20 and the tip portion 34 becomes the link 24.

In some embodiments, when or prior to integrating the string 76 to thetip portion 34, a portion of the string 76 may be cut to shorten thelength of the link 24. Some small length of the link 24 is desirable inorder to allow independent and flexible movement of the bundle relativeto the tube 20. On the other hand, if the link 24 between the tube 20and the tip portion 34 is too long, the hair bundle 22 could swing toomuch independent of the hair 12 (FIG. 1) of the person 14, which is notdesirable.

Positioning of String for Non-Slip Engagement

For the sake of explanation, FIGS. 7A and 7B are two embodiments, eachillustrating a cross-sectional view of the tube 20 after flatteningalong with the string 76 and hair strands 16. In the embodiment of FIG.7A two portions of the string 76 are generally centered within theflattened tube 20, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 7A two stringportions 76 are off the center of the flattened tube 20. As a result,the centered string portions 76 of FIG. 7A contact and engage with morehair strands 16 than the decentered string portions 76 of FIG. 7B.Therefore, the centered string portions 76 of FIG. 7A would have morefriction with hair strands 76 and be less slippery than the decenteredstring portions 76 of FIG. 7B when the extension hair piece 10 is pulledaway.

In embodiments, the position of string or string portions 76 is adjustedfor more effective engagement of the tube 20 with hair strands 16. Morespecifically, the position of string or string portions 76 is adjustedrelative to the tube 20 or its configuration to maximize contacts,friction and engagement between hair strands 16 and surfaces of thestring 76 after the tube 20 is crimped. In one embodiment, the string orstring portions 76 are generally positioned in the center or middlealong a longer axis (X axis in FIGS. 4A, 4C-4F). Referring to FIG. 7C,for example, the two string portions 76 are tied with a generallycentral portion of the tube's wall in the X axis. In otherconfigurations of the tube in FIGS. 4C-4F, the string or string portions76 are tied with the tube's wall in its central portion along the Xaxis.

In some embodiments, the string or string portions 76 are tightly tiedto the central portion of the tube's wall to prevent undesirabledisplacements. Further in some embodiments, the string or stringportions 76 are glued to the central portion of the tube's wall toprevent its displacement from the central portion. In one embodiment, aportion of the string 76 positioned inside the tube 20 is glued to aninterior surface of the tube 20. In another embodiment, a portion of thestring 76 positioned outside the 26 of the tube 20 is glued to anexterior surface of the tube 20. In another embodiment, the string 76 isbonded to both the interior and exterior surfaces of the tube 20.Bonding of the string 76 can be performed with any appropriate materialand at any appropriate stage of making the extension hair piece 10 orthereafter. For example, bonding of the string 76 is made between thesteps 53 and 55, between the steps 55 and 57, between the steps 57 and59 or after the step 59.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7D, the tube 20 has a notch 132 inits wall generally at the center in its X axis. Although notillustrated, the string or string portions 76 are tied with the notchedportion of the tube 20. The notch 132 will facilitate tying of thestring or string portions 76 at the central portion of the tube's walland further to prevent displacement of the string or string portions 76from the central portion once tied properly. In embodiments, the notch132 can be made in various configurations and sizes. In someembodiments, the string or string portions 76 are glued as well as tiedwith the notched portion of the tube's wall.

Material of String

In embodiments, the string 76 for the link 24 can be made of a materialor made in a form that can provide a surface roughness. The surfaceroughness is needed to provide friction with hair strands 16 (FIG. 3D)of the person 14 to further the non-slip engagement once the hair piece10 has been connected to the person's hair 12. In some embodiments, thestring 76 is made of a fiber string. In other embodiments, the string 76is made of a non-fiber string. In some embodiments, the string 76 is atwisted one, and in other embodiments the string is a non-twisted one.In embodiments, the string 76 is sufficiently flexible to allow the hairbundle 22 to move relative to the tube 20 given an appropriate distancebetween the tube 20 and the hair bundle 22. Also, in some embodiments,the string 76 can be elastic.

Other Connections Between Tube and Hair Bundle

FIGS. 8A-8C provide other forms of linking between the tube 20 and thehair bundle 22. In FIG. 8A, a string 102 is tied with the tube 20, inwhich the string 102 is inserted through the tube 20 unfolded to turnaround the wall of the tube 20 and knotted at the bottom. Then, two ends101 of the single strand string 102 are put together and attached to thetip portion 34. In one embodiment, a portion of the string 102 is bondedto the tube 20 as discussed above in connection with the embodiments ofFIGS. 6A and 6B.

In another embodiment of FIG. 8B, a portion of a string 112 enters intothe tube 20 and glued to an interior surface of the tube 20. In theillustrated embodiment, the bottom end of the string 112 is fixed to thetip portion 34 of the hair bundle 22. In another embodiment of FIG. 8C,a string 122 has a hook portion 124 hanging over a top edge of the tube20. In the additional embodiments of FIGS. 8B and 8C, the string 112 and122 may be or may not be flexible.

Other Extension Hair Pieces

In some embodiments, an extension hair piece may include two or morehair bundles. Referring to FIG. 9A, the extension hair piece 522includes two hair bundles 532, in which each hair bundle 532 is attachedto one end of a link 524. Referring to FIG. 9B, the extension hair piece622 has two hair extension bundles 632, in which each hair bundle 632 isindividually linked with the tube 620 via a link 624.

Additional Features

The hair extension pieces according to embodiments can include anyfeatures disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/850,017. Forthe purpose of satisfying the requirements under 35 U.S.C. § 112, firstparagraph, the specification and drawings of the U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/850,017 are provided below as Appendix.

1. A hair extension device comprising: a tube configured to deform moreeasily in a first direction than in a second direction when the sameamount of crimping force is applied to the tube, wherein the first andsecond directions are on a cross-sectional plane, in which the tube'scross-section forms a closed loop; a hair bundle comprising a pluralityof extension hair strands bound together; and a link linking the hairbundle to the tube.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the tube'scross-section is in a shape which is generally an oval or a polygon. 3.The device of claim 1, wherein the first direction is perpendicular tothe second direction.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the tube'scross-section has a longest axis passing two opposing points of the tubethat are the farthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-sectionhas a shortest axis passing two opposing points that are the shortestfrom each other.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the link is connectedto the tube generally at a middle point of the tube in the longest axis.6. The device of claim 4, wherein the link contacts one of the twoopposing points that are the shortest from each other.
 7. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the first direction is parallel to the shortest axis.8. The device of claim 4, wherein the link comprises a portion withinthe tube, wherein the portion is generally at a middle point of the tubein the longest axis.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the link is gluedto the tube such that the portion within the tube stays generally at themiddle point of the tube in the longest axis.
 10. The device of claim 1,wherein the link is flexible such that the hair bundle can moveindependent of the tube.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the linkcomprises a flexible string tied to the tube.
 12. The device of claim 1,further comprising an additional hair bundle comprising a plurality ofextension hair strands bound together.
 13. The device of claim 1,wherein the tube has a desirable crimping direction and is shaped tosubstantially induce grabbing of the tube with a crimping tool toward anorientation thereof for crimping in the desirable crimping direction.14. A method of hair extension, comprising: providing the device ofclaim 1; inserting, into the tube, a plurality of hair strands of aperson or animal; and subsequently crimping the tube using a crimpingtool in the first direction, thereby substantially flattening the tube.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the tube's cross-section has alongest axis passing two farthest opposing points of the tube that arethe farthest from each other, wherein the tube's cross-section has ashortest axis passing two shortest opposing points that are the shortestfrom each other.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein crimping in thefirst direction results in that the two farthest points become fartherand that the two shortest points become shorter.
 17. The method of claim15, further comprising: grabbing the tube using the crimping tool, inwhich the crimping tool contacts two grabbing points that defines thesecond direction; and prior to crimping, changing the grabbing points totwo opposing points of the tube that defines the first direction. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein the link comprises a portion within thetube, wherein the portion is generally at a middle point of the tube inthe longest axis, wherein the portion stays generally at the middlepoint in the longest axis after crimping.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the link is glued to the tube such that the portion within thetube stays generally at the middle point of the tube in the longestaxis.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the tube's cross-section is ina shape which is generally an oval or a polygon.
 21. The method of claim14, wherein the link is flexible such that the hair bundle can moveindependent of the tube.